Synopsis On 17February 1996, the JOSEPH SAVARD departed the wharf at le-aux-Coudres, Quebec, at 1502, bound for Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, Quebec. The first part of the crossing was uneventful. The vessel then entered a moving ice patch a few hundred metres from her destination. A few minutes later, the ferry became stuck in a drifting ice floe that the flood stream pushed to shore in a few minutes, and the vessel ran aground before she could free herself from the ice floe. There were no injuries or pollution as a result of this occurrence. Other Factual Information Particulars of the Vessel At approximately 1500(1) on 17February 1996, the JOSEPH SAVARD began a run between le-aux-Coudres and Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive with 23 passengers on board. The tide was high, and the flood stream was still present in the area; visibility was good, and the winds were light from the east. The vessel was under the conduct of the master, assisted by an officer. Both officers had several years' experience on the ferry. To reach the Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive wharf, the ferry had to cross through a moving ice patch. A few minutes after entering the ice patch, the JOSEPH SAVARD rode up onto an ice floe that she was unable to break and the ferry became trapped in the ice. Although the main engine was kept at full ahead, the vessel was driven toward the north shore. At about 1525, the ferry ran aground less than half a mile west of the Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive wharf. Attempts to refloat the vessel were of no avail. The Qubec Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) was notified of the occurrence at 1632. After the grounding, five passengers left the vessel, with the master's permission, in a boat designed for ice racing. At about 2200, the other 18 passengers were evacuated by National Defence R-419 helicopter. The ferry was refloated at high tide at about 1615 the next day, 18February, with the assistance of two tugs. Hull damage requiring dry-docking was reported.